A prayer basket for the month of All Souls October 28, 2026By Rita Buettner Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window Every year, as we start November, I fill our prayer basket with slips of paper. Each one has the name of someone we know who has died.
A trip to St. Rita’s Shrine October 22, 2026By Rita Buettner Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window It was a beautiful day—a day of friendship and prayer, a day of peace and discovery, and a day when we connected more deeply with a saint who is so beloved by so many.
What we see in the sky October 13, 2026By Rita Buettner Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window Whatever you see today, I hope you witness glimpses of beauty and love, kindness and mercy, healing and understanding, possibility and hope.
Praying for Heaven October 8, 2026By Rita Buettner Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window My friend’s dear mother was nearing the end of her life, and I had assured her that I would pray.
A Visit to the Relics of St. Bernadette September 27, 2026By Rita Buettner Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window Of course, once I was in line, I was all in. I found myself realizing what a blessing it was that the parking lot was packed and that the line was long.
Here comes fall: Time for chicken noodle soup September 21, 2026By Rita Buettner Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window, Recipes There are many chicken noodle soup recipes that are absolutely delicious. This one is a favorite because it’s tasty—but it’s also easy and quick.
Praying through the noise September 19, 2026By Rita Buettner Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window We can find God in the peaceful quiet of the world. But he also invites us to connect with him even in the busyness of our day.
Our mother in joy and sorrow September 13, 2026By Rita Buettner Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window Mary knows the breadth of joy and she knows the depth of sorrow. She understands how to accompany us through life’s joys and sorrows.
The gift of a smile September 5, 2026By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window If you knew Jeff Nattans, you must remember his smile. He was always pleasant, always upbeat, and always eager to connect with people around him.
The girl on the diving board: A back-to-school reflection August 30, 2026By Rita Buettner Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window I hope whatever this new school year brings for our young people and their families, they know God is with them. And I hope they find joy in being brave.
Dolly, we will always love you August 25, 2026By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window As Dolly Parton once said, “I like trying to make people happy and lift people up and glorifying God. That’s my mission in life.”
A blessing on the road August 19, 2026By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window I was surprised. I’ve never had a car pause there so I could enter that stretch of road before. Everyone is always in a hurry.
